Rapid release buckle for safety belts and harness

ABSTRACT

Rapid-release buckle for straps of a harness, for example of a parachute or other safety device. The buckle has locking members capable of releasing all the releasable harness straps when actuated by a first actuating device. A second actuating device is provided which enables only a selected number of the locking members to release a corresponding selected number of the releasable straps. The two actuating devices are compatible with each other.

o nlted States Patent 11 1 1111 3,747,107 Pravaz 1 July 24, 1973 RAPID RELEASE BUCKLE FOR SAFETY 3,522,636 8/1970 Klink 24/20517 BELTS AND HARNESS 3,564,672 2/1971 Mclntyre 24/205.17 3,605,207 9/1971 Glauser 241205.17 [75] Inventor: Marcel H. Pravaz, Ch hy, ran 3,639,948 2 1972 Sherman 24 205.17 1 Assigneer Etudes Fabric-M19119 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Aermuflques Pans France 690,435 4 1953 Great Britain 24/205.17 [221 Filed: Nov. 23, 1971 [211 App No 201 422 Primary Examiner-Bernard A. Gelak Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 3, 1970 France 7043450 US. Cl. 24/205.17, 244/151 A Int. Cl. A44b 11/25, A44b 17/00 Field of Search 24/205.l7, 205.18,

24/205.l9; 244/151 A, 151 R References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1959 Cushman ..24/205.17 6/1959 Quilter ..24/205.17

Attorney-John Lezdey, Robert ()sann et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT Rapid-release buckle for straps of a harness, for example of a parachute or other safety device. The buckle has locking members capable of releasing all the releasable harness straps when actuated by a first actuating device. A second actuating device is provided which enables only a selected number of the locking members to release a corresponding selected number of the releasable straps. The two actuating devices are compatible with each other.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures RAPID RELEASE BUCKLE FOR SAFETY BELTS AND HARNESS The present invention relates to rapid-release belt buckles employed for interconnecting the ends of the straps of a harness or other safety device provided with shoulder straps for aviators, automobilists or other users.

Different rapid-release buckles are known to be employed for this purpose, for example the type disclosed in French Pat. No. 1,099,122 filed by the Applicant and comprising the combination of a number of fasteners or tongue members adapted to be secured to the ends of the straps that the buckle must unite in a releasable manner, and a centre device constituting a sort of latch having cavities in which the tongue members are introduced and maintained by locking members which are withdrawable, under the action of an actuating device, in a given path between a locking position and releasing position.

In all the buckles of this known type, the actuating device permits the simultaneous release of all the tongue .members without any selection being possible.

Now, in many circumstances the user may desire to release temporarily the shoulder straps. For example, an automobilist may desire to employ for driving in towns only the belt of the safety device and connect the shoulder straps only for driving on highways.

In another case, a pilot of an aircraft may desire to detach the two shoulder straps of his harness so as to allow him more freedom of movement while he keeps the belt straps and crotch straps attached, the shoulder straps being attached only when conditions require. This is impossible with the buckles employed heretofore and the object of the invention is to remedy this drawback by providing a buckle which can be rapidly released and is of the aforementioned type but which permits a selective unlocking of the tongue members of the ends of the straps.

The invention provides a rapid-release buckle for straps of a harness or other safety device, of the type comprising a general actuating device acting on the whole of the locking members so as to withdraw them, wherein a partial second actuating device is provided which has an independent control and acts selectively on only some of the locking members so as to withdraw them, the two actuating devices being compatible with each other.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second actuating device is connected in series with the first actuating device.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the ensuing description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings FIG. 1 is a plan view of the under side of rapidrelease buckle according to the invention in the closed position with five tongue members locked in position;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the buckle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing a buckle according to the invention in a partially opened position in which the locking members of the two tongue mem bers corresponding to the shoulder straps of a harness having five fixing points are withdrawn, and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the rapid-release buckle comprises a cylindrical body which is generally designated by the reference number 1 and comprises two elements 2 and 3 and a cover 4.

The element 2 is a disc having recesses such as 5 and defines with the element 3 five cavities adapted to receive tongue members 6.

The element 3 has a peripheral flange 7 which extends in the opposite direction to the element 2. The flange 7 defines a chamber closed by the cover 4 which encloses a mechanism of known type constituting a latch and a first actuating device.

The mechanism of known type, shown in detail in FIG. 3, comprises a disc 8 provided with apertures 9 in which are slidably mounted locking members 10, 10 which are biased by springs 11 into apertures 12 which correspond to the apertures 9 and are provided in the web of the element 3. The springs 11 bear in recesses 13. in the cover 4.

The locking members l0, l0", 10" are retained in the disc 8 by a flange 14 and their opposite end is chamfered.

The disc 8 has a hub 15 having two inclined ramps 16, 16 and the hub 15 has extending therethrough a spindle 17 in which is disposed a radial pin 18 the ends of which bear against the ramps 16, 16 of the hub 15.

The hub 15 is slidably mounted in a bearing 19 formed in the web of the element 3 and the component parts are held assembled by screws 20 which extend through the elements 2 and 3 and are screwed into the cover 4 so as to prevent the disc 8 from rotating.

A circular control means 21 having a flange 22 is secured to the spindle 17 by a screw 23.

When the user rotates the control means 21 with respect to the element 2 and 3, the pin 18 bears against the ramps 16, 16 and shifts the disc 8 in opposition to the action of the springs 11 and thus withdraws the locking members 10 and releases the tongue members 24.

It will be observed that one of the locking members, designated by the reference character 10, is a little longer than the others so as to retain in a permanently locked condition the tongue member which keeps the buckle attached to one of the straps.

This actuating device consequently releases simultaneously all the tongue members except the locking member 10 in the known manner.

According to the invention, there is provided on the buckle a second actuating device which has a partial action and is independent of the first actuating device and has separate control means.

The second actuating device comprises a curved member 25 having the same radius as the disc 8 and provided with two apertures 29 which conicide with two successive apertures in the disc 8.

The member 25 is disposed between the cover 4 and the disc 8 and between the latter and the flanges of two locking members 10'. Under the action of the springs 11, the member 25 is applied against the disc 8 but it can be withdrawn therefrom, in opposition to the ac tion of the springs 11 of the locking members 10", under the action of a thrust exerted thereon by three push-rods 30 which are slidably mounted in apertures in the disc 8 and in corresponding apertures in the element 3 and apertures 31 in the element 2 beyond which they extend (FIG. 3).

The push-rods 30 constitute cam follower means and are shifted by a circular cam 32 mounted to be freely rotative on the end of the spindle 17 which extends through a centre aperture in the element 2.

The cam 32 has three inclined ramps 33 and is retained between the element 2 and the cover 34 which is secured to the body 1 of the buckle by screws 35.

Control means for rotating the cam 32 comprise a lug 36 which extends through a curved slot 37 provided in the cover 34 and in a blind aperture 38 provided in a lever 39 which is retained on the end of the spindle 17 by a screw 40. The latter allows the lever to rotate freely.

It will be understood that when the lever 39 is shifted, it drives the cam 32 through the agency of the lug 36.

The ramps 33 of the cam 32 exert a force on the ends of the push-rods 30 which bear against the member 25 and urge it away from the disc 8 and at the same time withdraw the locking members 10, the locking members l and remaining stationary.

On the other hand, when the control means 22 is rotated relative to the body 1, all the locking members are withdrawn by the disc 8 which moves toward the cover 4 and at the same time drives therewith the member 25 and all the locking members.

In order to still further facilitate the control of the second actuating device in particular in respect of a safety harness for aircraft pilots, a remote control means is provided which includes a flexible cable (not shown).

This cable can be anchored at one of its ends in a groove 41 provided in the periphery of the cam 32, this.

cable issuing through an aperture in the periphery of the cover 34 (not shown in the drawing) and extending for example along the strap corresponding to the fixed tongue member retained by the locking member 10".

Having now described my invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a rapid-release buckle for releasable straps of a harness, for example of a parachute or safety device, the buckle comprising means defining a body having an axis and later] openings in the body for respectively radially receiving the straps, withdrawable locking members within the body for respectively lockingly engaging the releasable straps, a first actuating device coacting with all of said locking members to withdraw them from the releasable straps and comprising a control element mounted on the body on one side of said openings axially of the body to rotate about said axis, a second actuating device controllable independently of the first actuating device and co-acting with only a selected number of said locking members for withdrawing the selected number of locking members from a corresponding selected number of the releasable straps; the following features the second actuating device comprises a withdrawing member movable axially ofthe body and combined with said selected number of locking members for withdrawing said selected number of locking members from the corresponding straps, a cam mounted in the body to rotate about said axis inde pendently of said control element and located on the opposite side of said openings to said control element axially of the body, cam follower means interposed between the cam and the withdrawing member for shifting the withdrawing member axially of the body in a direction to withdraw said selected number of locking members from the corresponding straps upon rotation of the cam, and control means for rotating the cam and located on the opposite side of said openings to said control element axially of the body and extending out of the body.

2. In a rapid-release buckle for releasable straps of a harness, for example of a parachute or safety device, the buckle comprising means defining a body having an axis and lateral openings in the body for respectively radially receiving the straps, withdrawable locking members within the body for respectively lockingly engaging the releasable straps, a first actuating device coacting with all of said locking members to withdraw them from the releasable straps and comprising a control element mounted on the body on one side of said openings axially of the body to rotate about said axis, a second actuating device controllable independently of the first actuating device and co-acting with only a selected number of said locking members for withdrawing the selected number of locking members from a corresponding selected number of the releasable straps; the following features the first actuating device comprises a first withdrawing member which is mounted in the body to be movable axially of the body and carries all of the withdrawable locking members for withdrawing all of the withdrawable locking members from the corresponding straps, camming means interconnecting the control element and the first withdrawing member for axially moving the withdrawing member upon rotation of the control element, the second actuating device comprises a second withdrawing member movable axially of the body and combined with said selected number oflocking members for withdrawing said selected number oflocking members from the corresponding straps, a cam mounted in the body to rotate about said axis independently of said control element and located on the opposite side of said openings to said control element axially of the body, pushrod means mounted in the body for movement in a direction parallel to said axis, interposed between and engaging the cam and the second withdrawing member and freely extending through the first withdrawing member for moving the second withdrawing member and withdrawing said selected number of locking members from the corresponding straps upon rotation of the cam and control means for rotating the cam about said axis and located on the opposite side of said openings to said control element axially of the body and acting substantially in a plane perpendicular to said axis.

3. A buckle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control means comprises a lever mounted on the body to pivot about said axis 4. A buckle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control means are remote control means comprising a flexible cable movably mounted in the body and having a portion secured to the cam for shifting the cam about said axis, said cable extending out of the body for connection to cable shifting means.

i =0 III =0 

1. In a rapid-release buckle for releasable straps of a harness, for example of a parachute or safety device, the buckle comprising means defining a body having an axis and laterl openings in the body for respectively radially receiving the straps, withdrawable locking members within the body for respectively lockingly engaging the releasable straps, a first actuating device co-acting with all of said locking members to withdraw them from the releasable straps and comprising a control element mounted on the body on one side of said openings axially of the body to rotate about said axis, a second actuating device controllable independently of the first actuating device and coacting with only a selected number of said locking members for withdrawing the selected number of locking members from a corresponding selected number of the releasable straps; the following features : the second actuating device comprises a withdrawing member movable axially of the body and combined with said selected number of locking members for withdrawing said selected number of locking members from the corresponding straps, a cam mounted in the body to rotate about said axis independently of said control element and located on the opposite side of said openings to said control element axially of the body, cam follower means interposed between the cam and the withdrawing member for shifting the withdrawing member axially of the body in a direction to withdraw said selected number of locking members from the corresponding straps upon rotation of the cam, and control means for rotating the cam and located on the opposite side of said openings to said control element axially of the body and extending out of the body.
 2. In a rapid-release buckle for releasable straps of a harness, for example of a parachute or safety device, the buckle comprising means defining a body having an axis and lateral openings in the body for respectively radially receiving the straps, withdrawable locking members within the body for respectively lockingly engaging the releasable straps, a first actuating device co-acting with all of said locking members to withdraw them from the releasable straps and comprising a control element mounted on the body on one side of said openings axially of the body to rotate about said axis, a second actuating device controllable independently of the first actuating device and co-acting with only a selected numbeR of said locking members for withdrawing the selected number of locking members from a corresponding selected number of the releasable straps; the following features : the first actuating device comprises a first withdrawing member which is mounted in the body to be movable axially of the body and carries all of the withdrawable locking members for withdrawing all of the withdrawable locking members from the corresponding straps, camming means interconnecting the control element and the first withdrawing member for axially moving the withdrawing member upon rotation of the control element, the second actuating device comprises a second withdrawing member movable axially of the body and combined with said selected number of locking members for withdrawing said selected number of locking members from the corresponding straps, a cam mounted in the body to rotate about said axis independently of said control element and located on the opposite side of said openings to said control element axially of the body, push-rod means mounted in the body for movement in a direction parallel to said axis, interposed between and engaging the cam and the second withdrawing member and freely extending through the first withdrawing member for moving the second withdrawing member and withdrawing said selected number of locking members from the corresponding straps upon rotation of the cam and control means for rotating the cam about said axis and located on the opposite side of said openings to said control element axially of the body and acting substantially in a plane perpendicular to said axis.
 3. A buckle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control means comprises a lever mounted on the body to pivot about said axis .
 4. A buckle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control means are remote control means comprising a flexible cable movably mounted in the body and having a portion secured to the cam for shifting the cam about said axis, said cable extending out of the body for connection to cable shifting means. 